CH. 16 Preparation for a Quiet Dinner

Mr. Bingley arrived at the Gardiner's home with a sense of relief to be in the company of his beloved once again. He opted not to discuss his sisters beyond commenting on their good health. He was excited to take Jane on his arm later and was happy with the plan to escort her to the Fitzwilliam residence an hour after Darcy left with his sister and Elizabeth.

Charles possessed an agreeable disposition and did not often question plans that were set forth by others. He was also willing to encourage future plans that had been previously promised, like a picnic with the Gardiner children. The topic was broached over luncheon. The group gladly agreed and planned the scheme for the following afternoon.

Darcy, Bingley and Georgiana left shortly after luncheon to prepare for the dinner party that evening. They arrived back at the Gardiner's residence dressed in their evening attire. The gentlemen joined Mr. Gardiner in his library and Georgiana excused herself to join the ladies above stairs.

Jane and Elizabeth were still in the process of fixing their hair and smiled happily when Georgiana came to join them. They each complimented each other on their appearances and were content to enjoy the easy company of each other.

Elizabeth was dressed in the emerald dress Lady Matlock had requested with her hair twisted and held up with a pearl encrusted comb. The curls that escaped her coiffure softened her look and framed her face angelically. Elizabeth felt beautiful, but believed herself to pale in comparison to her sister who was dressed in a new light blue creation that complimented her cream complexion.

Georgiana sat on a chaise and watched Elizabeth arrange Jane's hair with braids and pins. She knew very little about hair arrangement beyond plaiting and brushing, so found herself interested in Elizabeth's sure hands. Lost in thought, Georgiana soon had a smile playing upon her face. Elizabeth noticed and said, "Pray tell, Georgie, what is so amusing?"

Georgiana laughed, "It is nothing. I am only looking forward to dining with my Aunt. William still does not know that your mother or the Gardiners' were invited." Elizabeth frowned in the mirror and would have said something if Georgiana had not continued. "Do not be alarmed. I know that you implied it earlier and I am certain he will know before the time comes to leave."

Elizabeth finished her task quietly thinking as Jane commented, "It is too cruel." Georgiana promised that Fitzwilliam would know shortly and told a story of the last time he teased her by innocently withholding information in a situation involving one of their neighbors.

Mrs. Gardiner met the three girls in the hall. Mrs. Bennet was still dressing with the help of Mrs. Gardiner's lady's maid. "What portraits you ladies would make! I am so proud of you girls." She said, admiring Jane and Elizabeth in their new evening attire. Before descending the stairs together, she bestowed each with a hug and a kiss to the cheek, including Georgiana, whom she had 'adopted' as her niece on their first shopping excursion.

When the gentlemen heard the four ladies, Mr. Gardiner grinned and said, "I believe that is my cue to go make myself presentable for the evening. I will see you gentlemen later, if you will excuse me?" In the hall he bowed and made his way upstairs after admiring the ladies.

"My word, you ladies look stunning." Mr. Bingley said quickly stepping close to Jane and taking her hand, causing Jane to blush. He took the opportunity to escort her to the drawing room after Mrs. Gardiner and Georgiana.

Fitzwilliam smiled at Elizabeth, "I must agree with Charles. Though, I must admit that when I walked into the hall, I did not see anyone but you."

Elizabeth smiled and looked up at him through her lashes, "Aren't you full of flattery today? I approve whole-heartedly." She continued in a whisper when he kissed her hand, "Thank you."

He smiled and moved to escort her to the drawing room to join the rest. "There is no need to thank me, dear Elizabeth, when I only state a fact. We must be on our way soon."

"Of course," she nodded, admiring the striking figure he made in his black evening coat with flawless white breeches, waistcoat and neckcloth. She decided to open the subject of the dinner party, to speak plainly about the dinner rather than wait. "Fitzwilliam, has your Aunt invited many others?"

"I understand it to be a quiet dinner with a few family members and close friends."

"I am sure it will be delightful, however I am not certain about it being a 'quiet' dinner. Mr. Bingley will join Jane, my mother and the Gardiners' in their carriage." He had been looking about the room, but turned to stare at Elizabeth with an eyebrow raised at her statement. "Jane and I will do our best to keep my mother in check, but I daresay she has been very excited since the invitation arrived yesterday."

He did not speak for a few moments to allow the intelligence to set in. His Aunt knew where to send an invitation for Elizabeth's family—before the announcement was made in the paper. He was grateful that he knew to expect Elizabeth's family before he was made to look the fool. At last he pursed his lips. "I see." He took a breath and looked up saying, "I wonder how she knew."

Fitzwilliam was not expecting an answer, but Elizabeth gave one after briefly touching his arm to get his attention and offer comfort. "Lady Matlock learned from the couturier. She requested that I wear this dress for her dinner party when she called on me the day after our arrival." He was shaking his head in wonder. "I must admit that I was tempted to wear something else, but chose to concede because I do like the gown."

"I have learned that, in most instances, it is best to comply with my Aunt's caprices. However, I believe that you must have more gowns in that shade to bring out the color of your eyes. Let us go tell Georgiana that it is time to depart. Shall we?"

Elizabeth smiled and answered affirmatively. She felt much better knowing that she was not keeping secrets from the man she was marrying, the man that she loved.


AN: I realize this is a shorter chapter, but I wanted to give you a little something this week. ;) I am amazed with each one of the 180 Favs and 476 Follows.

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